It all started with a little conversation with a fellow Instagrammer about living a life where you say yes more. I felt so enlightened by the possibilities that when Kate nonchalantly dropped into conversation that we should hold an event I said yes.
Last Thursday was marked in my calendar as ‘The Day Of Doom’ because that was the day I had to put my imposter syndrome to one side and talk to all kinds of amazing brands, bloggers and aspiring influencers. I needed to find a way to explain what I had achieved, talk confidently about success without sounding like a complete dick. (May as well cut to the chase, we are all friends here)
If you are following my Instagram you may have seen that I was extremely lucky to have been able to have a few treatments at Blushes Hair Salon before the event. (Just a side note, HD brows with Heather are an absolute game changer!) Followed by about 15 minutes pool side at Cowley Manor. It definitely looked like we were having a leisurely day but the reality was much different. In fact we were so busy I didn’t have time for the mental breakdown I had scheduled in just before 6pm.
I think part of the reason I was so nervous was because I had run through everything I was planning on saying at the event with Si. Who’s feedback was very much’ Wow, you have managed to suck all the joy out of Instagram’. (Don’t worry he made it up to me with a good luck card!)
As soon as I got started though it wasn’t too bad. Thankfully Kate had a disclaimer about me so I was able to be my normal potty mouth and just be me. It is easy to talk about something you both care about and dedicate a lot of time to. If I did suck the fun out of Instagram then I apologise but I felt that if people paid money to hear my thoughts they should learn all the ins and outs of building a following. (I feel I need a disclaimer here stating that know my following isn’t massive and I’m not completely deluded.)
Luckily Kate is a bit of a pro when it comes to giving talks and not only is amazing at putting people at ease, she has had a massively successful year so it was great to hear her thoughts too.
It was amazing to be in a room with so many like minded people. I think the thing wth social media is you either get it or you don’t. Its either a part of your life or not. I never thought that I would have a career again after becoming a mother. I wasn’t even sure I wanted one but I have to admit I’m really enjoying having another part of my life that I care about. Im not sure it was healthy for me to focus entirely on family life and sacrifice all the other things life can offer. Its all about finding a balance I guess!
What is exciting is that Kate and I are discussing the potential of doing the event again. I’d love to know if this would be of interest to any of you?
All photography by Little Cheltenham
I loved the event, Cara. You spoke with ease and knowledge about something that you’re really gifted at; that’s what people came to see! Totes understand the nerves but, if it’s any help at all, they honestly didn’t show.
Would highly recommend this event to anyone wanting to learn the nitty gritty of the Instagram world. As a new blogger, I found it really inspiring.
Author
Ah this is amazing to hear Natalia! Thank you so much for coming!
I’m sorry that I missed this, it’s probably a little too far for me. But It would be great if you held another one. Love the blog post, it’s exactly how I feel about social media, it’s a great espcape from the everyday ‘Mum life’ sharing what you love. Keep doing what you’re doing (with regular events thrown in) I love it x
I’d love to attend an event like this! But massive well done – public speaking is so bloody hard but bet you nailed it – sounds like you did x
Well if the pictures are anything to go by, you are working that audience and completely owning that event!
And I would LOVE to attend if you do another event. Could do with all the help I can get with gathering a following with my new little business venture x
Ah! I’d love to attend an event too, would you do one Berkshire/Surrey way? 😍
Gutted I missed this… would be well up for attending ones in the not too distant future I hope!
Would love to meet some like minded independents bossing it their own way✌🏽
Lots of love
@thedestinationweddingco
xox
Morning Cara, I essentially love your way of writing and exposing your thoughts. I just finished reading your post and, although I’m Italian and living in Italy, if I had the chance I would really love to be able to participate in a new event like that! 😃